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Week 12: Han and Can

The room: Front yard and facade

Score: 35.5/40 (third place)

“It’s about taking it slow, it’s about movement, it’s about taking in the aspects of the Japanese world,” said Shaynna Blaze. “I feel it’s about … flowing.”

The front of a house with a driveway, trees, grassed area and rocks in it.

Han and Can created a calming Zen-like space with a Japanese-style front yard and spectacular gate.


Another tough week for Han and Can with the girls working hard right to the end and Scotty’s shout of “tools down”. The couple decided to continue with the Japanese theme of their backyard, with a front yard design that echoed Asian style and Zen philosophy.

The big (and controversial) feature of their front garden was the huge Japanese-style Torii front gate to match those in their backyard, which the judges liked and felt made a great statement, establishing the tone of the space.

A winding path around a Japanese-style Reiki garden and a Zen-inspired water feature completed the theme. The path of raked river sand created what landscape designer Christian Jenkins said was a “journey to get to the front door”, and Shaynna remarked that it would be popular with young children.

The front area of a house with a bench seat, rocks, grassed area and trees in it.

The judges were full of praise for the handmade front door, with brass handle, and appreciated the private courtyard (complete with fountain) created off the guest bedroom.

A side garden with outdoor furniture and space for contemplation was a popular inclusion, while a thoughtful outdoor lighting plan was the finishing touch. 

Design tip

A well-designed outdoor lighting plan should include a combination of pathfinders (ground-level lights for illuminating the way from fence to front door) and up lights, to highlight significant trees or garden features.

 

Create the look yourself with these D.I.Y. projects

How to build a D.I.Y. timber garden arbour

How to build a timber retaining wall

How to grow and care for clumping bamboo

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.